Historical information

William Harvie was granted a patent in 1868 for improvements in the manufacture of lamps, lanterns and lenses for ships navigation and signal lamps 1868. Production began at 222 Broomielaw street Glasgow Scotland. Another patent was issued in 1873 for additional improvements to the companies lamps.
Records show that in1873 William Harvie was in partnership with Malcolm Graham & Co, grease manufacturers and rosin distillers at 50 Anderson Street Gallowgate Glasgow.
It appears around this time the business was transferred to George Moffat of 128 Garthland Drive Dennistoun Glasgow to continue under the same name (William Harvie & Co at premises situated at 100 East John St Gallowgate Glasgow. It is unclear but at some point W T George & Co were one in the same with William Harvie & Co. W T George made lamps with the trade name “Meteorite” and after gaining a patent for improvements to his lamps in 1941 the patent numbers were affixed to his lamps.
In the Scottish Post Office annual Glasgow Directory 1900-1902 William Haveie & Co. Ltd is listed with two addresses; 222 Broomielaw and 24 McAlpine Streets, Glasgow.
In the early 20th century the business moved to Birmingham until 1983 when the company went into voluntary liquidation after a meeting was held at Newhall Street Birmingham on the 10th January 1983 for WT George and William Harvie. This meeting was for the purposes regarding the insolvency of a company as set out in Sec 294 & 295 of the companies Act 1948 as a result Harvie & Co cease production of their products.

Significance

An item made by a company that was an innovator of significant improvements in the manufacture of marine signal and navigation lamps during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Lamps made by this manufacturer are now sought after collector's items that are of significant value.

Physical description

Navigation lamp, round ship's lamp with clear glass and a red filter, handle at top, fitted with hinged and catch section at top to service lamp. Bracket at back for hanging lamp item painted red with black handles.

Inscriptions & markings

Black nameplate is unreadable. Front reference plate reads " Meteorite" then "Meteorite No. 92276"